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"JuJu is an amazing player, but she isn't generational" - Fans spark debate over star power of Caitlin Clark and JuJu Watkins
Caitlin Clark was the star of women's college basketball the past few years, but now it's JuJu Watkins' turn to take over the NCAA. However, Watkins seemingly doesn't have the same pull as Clark in terms of fan attendance. Fans reacted to the comparison between Clark and Watkins in terms of their star power.
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, a fan shared a clip from The Fumble where Rodney Rikai and Samaria Terry debated about Clark and Watkins. Rikai reckons Watkins not selling out USC's home game is worrying, given that she's a Los Angeles native.
Meanwhile, Terry claimed that Clark's popularity was due to her rivalry with Angel Reese in 2023. She believes that Watkins could still be an attraction if she can get a rival during her collegiate career.
Fans on social media acknowledged that skills aren't enough for JuJu Watkins to be as popular as Caitlin Clark. Watkins might be more skilled, but Clark offers entertainment, which got her fanbase hooked.
"Juju is an amazing player, but she isn't generational," a fan wrote.
"Why is it so hard to admit that people watch Clark because she is entertaining to watch? She shoots from distances you don't even see from men, she's got handles, and passes like Jason Kidd. And then despite being the best, she is also always the underdog. It's unique!," one fan claimed.
"CC is just more exciting and fun to watch," another fan commented.
Other fans hope for JuJu Watkins to be on par with Caitlin Clark in terms of popularity. Watkins is just in her sophomore season, so she could grow more and become must-see TV.
"CC as a sophomore didn't move the needle like CC as a junior/senior. You've said it before, let Juju blossom on her own and see what happens," a fan remarked.
"Caitlin's fanbase supports her like crazy. No other fanbase supports its supposed favorite like hers," one fan observed.
"Relax people. Juju is a sophomore. Give her time. Also, it’s LA. She has motion. Juju 2nd biggest star in women’s basketball," another fan responded.
JuJu Watkins is expected to be the top prospect in the 2027 WNBA draft. She has a long way to go, but the right support from her fanbase could make her more popular.
JuJu Watkins opens up on her relationship with Caitlin Clark
Speaking to NBC Sports over the weekend, JuJu Watkins was asked if she knows Caitlin Clark personally. Watkins confirmed that she has been in contact with Clark since the Indiana Fever star gave her contact number in April during the John R. Wooden Awards.
"She made herself available and was like, 'Whatever you need,'" Watkins said. "I was grateful for her kindness. ... "Caitlin is a great player, but she's also a really good person."
Watkins added that she wasn't in contact with Clark during the WNBA season because she didn't want to bother her, who won the 2024 Rookie of the Year award.
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